You could hear a pin drop. That was how quiet it was in the Ballroom of the San Francisco Hyatt, Burlingame, on Saturday, March 12th. It was the premiere of a unique video prepared by Communications students at Notre Dame De Namur University in Belmont. The 7-minute video was indeed one of the highlights of the Gala, which was attended by over 300 members of the community, many of whom are long-time supporters of Samaritan House. It was shown in part to set the backdrop for the agency’s “Fund-A-Need” Program, which this year had a goal of $50,000 for prescription medications for clients in need who could not otherwise afford them. The goal this year was surpassed, with a record $70,000 donated.

The video was the culmination of a 3-month long Communications class project, in which students visited and conducted interviews at Samaritan House headquarters in San Mateo, as well as its free health clinics in San Mateo and Redwood City, and Safe Harbor Shelter in South San Francisco. The students also learned a variety of video techniques and gained experience in writing scripts, as well as technical experience in creating audio and narrative soundtracks.

Incorporating images and voiceovers of Samaritan House clients, volunteers, and staff, the video provides an overview of the many programs Samaritan House offers, including:

two free clinics which provide medical services and over 9,000 patient visits for those without health insurance in San Mateo County

Safe Harbor Shelter in South San Francisco, which provides shelter for 90 clients a night

Client Services, which provides counseling to individuals and families in need of resources in the community

Kitchen Staff and Dining Room, which provide meals daily for the hungry in San Mateo County

Kids Closet, where those in need of clothing can shop for free

Worker Resource Center, an onsite center in San Mateo where job seekers can be matched with employers

A Holiday Program, that provides meals to nearly 5,000 low-income community members, over half of whom are children

With nonprofit storytelling being such a large trends in communications today, several of the students involved with the project, who recently graduated, are now planning to focus on video marketing as their
career choice.

We invite you to enjoy the video here and post your comments! What role do you think video should play in nonprofit storytelling?

Would you like to see more videos from Samaritan House?

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About samaritanhouseblog

With over 30 years of experience, Samaritan House provides a broad range of services and resources to low-income residents in San Mateo County. Services include case management, clothing, medical care, food, shelter, employment assistance, and food and toys for the holidays. All services are provided free of charge to low-income families.